Keeping cool and enjoying holiday festivities

Posted:
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 7:41 PM EDT

(WAOW) -

Volunteers in Birnamwood have been working through the heat and getting ready for their Fourth of July celebration.

"Starts with picking out music and then the coordinate the shells with the music," said Darrell Neuske, who helped organize the fireworks. "It's a long process. They've been working on it the last three weeks just hooking stuff together."

The scorching summer temperatures have some wondering whether the conditions will be right for fireworks. Regardless of the heat, Birnamwood organizers said the show will go on.

"It's as hot as I like it," said Neuske. "As long as it doesn't rain, it just makes it a little harder to set up. As long as the rain stays away and the wind keeps blowing a little bit, we'll be in good shape."

In Wausau, some tried to beat the heat by staying in the shade or keeping cool in the water. Another option for people who don't have somewhere else to go -- stop in at the Salvation Army.

"A safe haven place for people to go and to feel that they're cared about and to meet a need that is necessary," said Marathon County Salvation Army Lt. Jacob Tripp. "Anybody who is around can come here. And a lot of Salvation Army's do offer this program."

The lieutenants said they open their doors on weekdays from 8 AM until 4 PM for anyone who needs a break from the sun. On the 4th, the main building will be closed, but you can still stop in at the shelter.

"We have air conditioning in here. We have fans," said Tripp. "We're going to be having drinks out so they can have something to cool down while they're in here. They just come in and have a seat and hang out and just enjoy the cool air that we have."